CULLMAN, Ala. – A Morgan County man was arrested Tuesday, Aug. 4, on 12 felony charges in connection with the theft of 10 cattle from the Guthery Crossroads area, according to Cullman County Animal Control Director Rodney Banister.
Nicholas Jock Griffith, 46, of Danville, is charged with 10 counts of second-degree theft of property, one count of killing or disabling livestock and one count of aggravated animal cruelty.
The cattle were reported stolen over the weekend from property on County Road 310.
“While investigating the theft of 10 head of cattle that occurred on County Road 310, information led to Lawrence County, where the truck and trailer were found at a property,” Banister said. “Griffith was found on a nearby property, also in Lawrence County.”
When Cullman County Animal Control officers and Lawrence County sheriff’s deputies attempted to contact Griffith, he fled into a nearby field and wooded area, Banister said.
“After a three-hour search, Griffith was located hiding in the area, was arrested and transported to Cullman County Jail,” Banister said.
Griffith remained in custody at the time of Banister’s statement.
Banister thanked Cullman County Animal Control personnel, District Attorney Champ Crocker, the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office, Cullman Police Department, Morgan County Sheriff’s Office, Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office and members of the public who provided tips and evidence during the investigation.
All persons charged with crimes are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
